“That is so, sir,” said Z9. “I say with you, sir, that although the law is the law, human natur’ is human natur’. And although Bill ’Arper is just a common p’liceman with on’y one stripe, an’ not a lawyer like you, sir, nor a beak, nor a judge, ’e never goes into court and a-takes off ’is ’elmet but what ’e feels ’igh-minded.”
“Then, policeman, regarding you in the light of a juryman, it is most probable that you would want mercy to be extended to the prisoner, in spite of the law, if you happened to be in your present frame of mind?”
“Yes, sir, I should in my present frame o’ mind.”
“More shame to you, Bill,” said X012; “you are a nice bloke to be a copper, an’ no mistake.”
“Close it, ’Orrice,” said Z9, with a restrained enthusiasm; “you bloomin’ Tories are so thick’eaded you don’t know nothing.”
“Well, gentlemen,” interposed the advocate, brushing the water from his brief, “as I observe you to be on the brink of an altercation, I will hasten to discharge you with my best thanks for your kind attention in order that you may have it out. For the subject will engage your powers worthily; pursue it, and it will take you into strange places. But before I leave you to do so, may I ask where I am?”
“Bottom o’ Sydenham ’ill, sir,” chimed both constables as one.
“Good morning, my friends. I must leave you to ponder this subject or I shall not get home to breakfast.”
The two myrmidons of the law stepped together into the middle of the road to watch this astonishing figure ascend out of their ken.
“Well, if ’e don’t beat all as ever I ’eard!” was the comment of Z9.